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Star Magic Ball 2012 Photos, The Gowns and Suits, The Pairs, The Glamour and The Awards

In time with the 20th anniversary celebration of ABS-CBN's talent management arm Star Magic, Kapamilya stars gather once again in a night of glamour, laughter, and camaraderie at the annual Star Magic Ball happening tonight, September 1, at the Rizal Ballroom of the Makati Shangri-La Hotel

Star Magic talents, other Kapamilya stars and the who's-who in entertainment and fashion industries are expected to walk down the red carpet wearing their most fashionable gowns and suits designed by their favorite designers.

On its September 2012 issue, Kapamilya actor Gerald Anderson is featured on the flipside cover oif sexy men's magazine FHM.

Described as "brimming with youth and absolute power," Gerald is joined in the annual list by other "proud rebels" - dancer-comedian Vhong Navarro, Callalily frontman Kean Cipriano, tattoo artist Ronian Poe, and radio personality Papa Jack.

FHM Philippines September 2012 issue is now available at all magazine stands and selected bookstores and supermarkets nationwide.

ABS-CBN’s drama anthology “Maalalaala Mo Kaya,” primetime newscast “TV Patrol,” and AM radio station DZMM were the only Philippine entries named as finalists in the prestigious Asia Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) Prizes 2012 including Jury Prize categories for both radio and television.

Out of 166 television and 76 radio entries from 18 countries and 25 organizations, ABS-CBN bagged finalist spots in five different categories and is the sole representative of the country in the prestigious award giving body that aims to promote excellence in broadcasting.

“Maalaala Mo Kaya” episode titled ‘T-Shirt’ is competing with entries from Bhutan, Vietnam, Indonesia, Mongolia, and Sri Lanka for the Television Special Jury Prize category while DZMM’s Silveradyo Station ID is pitted against entries from Bangladesh, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Bhutan for the Radio Special Jury Prize category.

DZMM scored another finalist spot in the Radio Jingles/Promos/Station ID’s category also for its Silveradyo Station ID and another one in the Radio News Reporting category for the coverage of “Radyo Patrol Balita Alas-Dose” on typhoon Pedring.

Meanwhile, “TV Patrol’s” coverage of typhoon Sendong was also named finalist in the Television News Reporting category.

Winners will be revealed during the awarding ceremony to be held on October 16 during the union’s general assembly in Seoul, South Korea.Continue reading HERE.

Cook Up Ideas on the Kitchen Episode of ‘Interior Motives’ with Angel Aquino

This week on “Interior Motives” with host, Angel Aquino – make hearty meals in a kitchen suitable to your exquisite taste. Find out how the look of your kitchen adds up to the overall experience of food preparation.

“Interior Motives” will take their viewers out of town as they visit some of the most creative kitchens out of the metro. Visit designer, Tito Villanueva’s contemporary kitchen design located in San Fernando, Pampanga. Get inspiration in setting up a Filipino-rustic kitchen design to break away from the modernity of the city at the timeless kitchen of Basilica de San Martin de Tours in Lemery, Batangas.

Contrary to the previous design, viewers will be treated to a contrast through Aline Bautista’s kitchen in San Antonio Village, Makati. Get some ideas from her modern designed kitchen as well as the best appliances to install to induce modernity.

Watch all these and more on “Interior Motives” with Angel Aquino, this Saturday (September 1) at 7:00 p.m. on the Lifestyle Network aired on SkyCable channel 52. For programming schedules and updates, like their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/LifestyleNetwork.

It's official! Hollywood golden boy Zac Efron is coming to Manila this September. As committed last March during his contract signing with leading casual wear brand Penshoppe, Zac has confirmed to fly to Manila and be the brand’s lead star for the annual Penshoppe Fan Conference 2012.

“Team Penshoppe is very thankful to Zac for accepting our invitation to visit and meet his fans in the Philippines. Penshoppe FanCon 2012 starring Zac Efron will be our biggest event to date as we continue to bring Penshoppe to new levels,” says Brand Director Alex Mendoza.

Just in time to welcome the holiday fashion season, Penshoppe FanCon 2012 organizers have confirmed the highly anticipated event will take place on September 29, 2012, Saturday, 7 p.m. at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. Access to the event is Free for every single-receipt purchase made at Penshoppe and exchanged for SM tickets from September 1 to 23, 2012 or until passes last.

Teen actress Miles Ocampo was spotted with “LUV U” co-star Marco Gumabao having a leisurely walk at a mall in Manila. The two were seen smiling from ear to ear while holding each other’s hands.

“It was bright and sunny outside, far from the gloomy weather the past weeks so we thought, why not enjoy a leisurely walk?” Miles said. When asked if it was a date, the teen star admitted that it was indeed a date. “It was a date between Camille and JB, our characters in LUV U.”

“Maybe in the future we’ll have a more private date, away from cameras. Who knows?” Miles said laughing.

Meanwhile on “LUV U”, Camille (Miles) and JB (Marco) decided that it’s time for them to bond together as lovers so they will go to a nearby mall for a date without Lola Paula (Joy Viado) knowing. Lola Paula, who doesn’t approve of their relationship will learn about this date and will follow the two love birds.

Who told Lola Paula about Camille and JB’s date? What will Lola Paula do once she sees them? Find out on “LUV U” this Sunday (September 2) after “ASAP 2012” on ABS-CBN.

Popstar Sarah Geronimo will start to spread the merriment of the Yuletide season this Sunday (September 2) as she begins the Christmas countdown in her solo musical variety show “Sarah G. Live!”

Watch out for the spectacular musical performance of ASAP Sessionistas members Juris and Aiza Seguerra; the smash-up dance number of “That’s Entertainment” boys Robert Ortega and Jojo Alejar; and the return of award-winning “Walang Hanggan” lead star Paulo Avelino as Sarah’s guest co-host.

Meanwhile, don’t miss the Popstar’s exciting adventure in Quezon City Circle in her ‘Sige Go’ segment; and the most-awaited revelation of Sarah’s deepest thoughts in her ‘statement song.’ Still with the Popstar in the upcoming episode are her resident dance royalty Gab Valenciano, co-host Luis Manzano, musical director Louie Ocampo, choreographer Georcelle Dapat-Sy, G-Force, and director Erick Salud.

Don’t miss the trending and top Sunday primetime show of ABS-CBN, “Sarah G. Live!” 8:15pm, after “Rated K.”

In this Sunday’s Pinoy Explorer, Aga Muhlach explores Bohol with the help of a proud Boholano, his good friend and fellow Kapatid star Cesar Montano.

The Artista Academy host took Aga to Pamilacan Island where the two swam with dolphins. The duo also tried rappelling in the jungles of Danao and experienced the different attractions that Danao Adventure Park has to offer. The highlight of their trip was marked by their visit to Prony, the largest reticulated python in captivity in Bohol.

Don’t miss this exciting episode. Catch Aga and Cesar on Pinoy Explorer this Sunday, September 2, 6:30 p.m. on TV5.

Restored Version of ‘Himala’ Premieres at the 69th Venice International Film Festival

To mark the 30th anniversary of the classic by Ishmael Bernal, the restored version of the film “Himala” will have its world premiere at the prestigious 69th Venice International Film Festival that begun on August 29 and will run until September 8 at the Venice Lido.

Along with other restored classics, the 1982 film starring Nora Aunor will be screened in the program titled “Venizia Classici”. The restored High-Definition version of the film is also slated for release close to the end of the year in local cinemas. “We are planning to re-release it theatrically, on pay TV and cable as well as on DVD. We have big plans for it,” said Leo Katigbak, head of ABS-CBN Film Archives.

To celebrate the birthday of one of the best directors in comedy, the “Banana Split” family and other Kapamilya stars will give salute this Saturday (September 1) to the most loved director, Bobot Mortiz.

“Direk Bobot is very caring and understanding. Thank you, direk and happy birthday!” Angelica Panganiban said. See more greetings from the “Banana Split” stars and other Kapamilya stars during the birthday segment for direk Bobot.

Meanwhile, the cast of “Banana Split” will continue to spread laughter through their unforgettable “Banana Classics” while their “Hot Issue” will spoof a fight between a motorist and MMDA official.

Join the fun on “Banana Split” this Saturday (September 1) after “TODA Max” on ABS-CBN.

Amid the highly publicized search for the whereabouts of Globe Asiatique owner Delfin Lee in relation to the large-scale estafa case filed against him, Lee’s legal counsel Atty. Willie Rivera will bravely take the hot seat in “The Bottomline With Boy Abunda” this Saturday (September 1) to answer all the issues and accusations thrown at the said controversial realty company.

What is the truth behind the alleged loan scam of Globe Asiatique? Is it true that the missing P7 billion Pag-IBIG fund was stolen by the property developer? If Delfin Lee is truly innocent, why is he hiding?

Don’t miss the ‘Ani ng Dangal 2012′ awardee “The Bottomline with Boy Abunda” this Saturday, 11:30 pm, after “Banana Split” on ABS-CBN. For more updates, log on to www.abs-cbn.com or follow @abscbndotcom on Twitter.

For 43-year-old former teacher Rolando Penaredondo, his days as an esteemed teacher in a number of universities in Manila now seemed nothing but a figment of a time long gone after he was diagnosed with the dreaded Human Immunodeficiency virus or HIV.

Due to his illness, Rolando shut himself off from the world. What saddens him all the more is the thought of not being able to take care of his family as much as he did before. Is there still hope for Rolando despite his illness?

Meanwhile, in Lingayen, Pangasinan, one can find 6-year-old Nonong Reyes, who despite his age, only stands at 78 centimeters.

But his height never really kept him from leading a normal life. Nonong is now a Grade 1 student of Sabangan Elementary School. His mother’s only wish is for him to be given a special chair—built especially for his tiny size.

Will Nonong finally get his chair? What lies ahead for Rolando? Catch these inspiring stories in Wish Ko Lang with host Vicky Morales this Saturday after Pinoy Adventures on GMA-7.

TV5 News and Information head Luchi Cruz-Valdes was recently conferred the World Achiever Award in Documentary at the 8th International Center for Communication Studies (ICCS) Media Convention held at Henry Lee Irwin Theater at the Ateneo de Manila University.

Sharing her experiences in her decades-long broadcasting career, Valdes told the convention, "You're going to have to focus first on exactly what you want to do, what you want to accomplish in a story, and what you want to show.”

In a separate interview, Valdes recalled the challenges and rewards of being one of the country’s documentary-making pioneers, “Being a veteran reporter for 30 years, I can take pride in having been the first to do [documentaries on] many issues that are now being brought up by younger reporters. I’m so glad to see so many TV journalists who start with dreams of becoming investigative reporters. I’d like to think that what I contributed helped inspire many of these reporters to go rough way. More than ever, we need in-depth perspective — we can’t go by the shallow conclusion.”

Valdes has had the unique experience of having worked in newsrooms of the Philippines’ major TV networks after her 10-year stint as a co-founder, production manager and reporter at Probe Productions. One of the most admired names in broadcast journalism, Valdes has virtually documented and reported the country’s history throughout her career, allowing her to bring to bear clear insight and extensive knowledge in her work.

Aside from this most recent commendation, Valdes has received several distinctions, including KBP’s 2001 Ka Doroy Brodkaster of the Year, Titus Brandsma Awardee for Excellence in Broadcast Journalism, three medals at the New York Film and Television Festivals in 1990, 2000 and 2001 and the 2011 Distinguished Alumni Award in Broadcast Journalism given by the University of the Philippines Alumni Association (UPAA).

But for the NEWS5 chief, her greatest work lies in the current generation of broadcast journalists, whom she mentored and coached. In an earlier interview, Valdes shared words of inspiration to the young reporters under her tutelage: “They should look at journalism as a calling more than a profession. Part of being a journalist is doing what it takes to deliver a story that will inform. And the information that you need to know is something that will have a bearing on the decision-making capacity of your viewers.”

Valdes earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Broadcast Communication from the University of the Philippines Diliman in 1981 and 1989, respectively. She had previously hosted NEWS5’s public affairs programs Journo and Anggulo and co-hosted the debate program NEWS5 Debates– Hamon sa Pagbabago (A Challenge For Change) with Atty. Dong Puno, which was a finalist at 2011 New York Festival’s Community Service Programs category. Currently, she anchors the late-night news magazine program Reaksyon which airs nightly after Pilipinas News.

007 Celebrates 50 Years on Film with “Global James Bond Day” October 5

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the James Bond film franchise on the anniversary of “Dr. No,” which enjoyed its world film premiere in London on October 5, 1962, and in anticipation of the worldwide release of the 23rd James Bond adventure “Skyfall,” Albert R. Broccoli’s EON Productions, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios, Sony Pictures Entertainment and Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment announced today that October 5, 2012 will be Global James Bond Day, a day-long series of events for Bond fans around the world.

A new feature documentary from Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures, Columbia Pictures, Passion Pictures and Red Box Films, “Everything or Nothing: The Untold Story of 007,” will be also be unveiled, country-specific details to follow. Directed by Stevan Riley (“Fire In Babylon”), “Everything or Nothing” focuses on three men with a shared dream – Bond producers Albert R. Broccoli, Harry Saltzman and author Ian Fleming. It’s the thrilling and inspiring narrative behind the longest running film franchise in cinema history which began in 1962.

Further worldwide events celebrating Bond’s golden anniversary include a global online and live auction charity event of 50 lots to benefit twelve charitable institutions organized by Christie´s in London (full details at www.christies.com/bond), a global survey to discover the favorite Bond film by country, a film retrospective at the Museum of Modern Art in New York, a “Music of Bond” night in Los Angeles hosted by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and an exhibition, “Designing 007: 50 Years of Bond Style,” at TIFF in Toronto.

Leading up to “Global James Bond Day,” for the first time ever fans can own all 22 films in the franchise on Blu-ray Disc in one comprehensive collection with “BOND 50,” releasing worldwide beginning September 24. Further updates by country will be announced in due course on 007.com and facebook/JamesBond007.

Commenting on “Global James Bond Day,” Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, producers of “Skyfall,” said, “We are absolutely thrilled to be celebrating James Bond's golden anniversary on film with this special day of events for Bond fans around the world.”

Daniel Craig is back as Ian Fleming’s James Bond 007 in “Skyfall,” the 23rd adventure in the longest-running film franchise of all time. In “Skyfall,” Bond’s loyalty to M is tested as her past comes back to haunt her. As MI6 comes under attack, 007 must track down and destroy the threat, no matter how personal the cost.

The film is from Albert R. Broccoli’s EON Productions, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios, and Sony Pictures Entertainment. Directed by Sam Mendes. Produced by Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli. Written by Neal Purvis & Robert Wade and John Logan.

Opening across the Philippines in October 31, 2012, “Skyfall” is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Visit www.columbiapictures.com.ph to see the latest trailers, get free downloads and play free movie games. Like us at www.Facebook.com/ColumbiaPicturesPH and join our fan contests.

Will Arnett, Elizabeth Banks, Chris Pratt and Morgan Freeman will lend their vocal talents to the LEGO® world, starring as characters in the upcoming original 3D animated LEGO feature, currently in production, from Warner Bros. Pictures and Village Roadshow Pictures.

The film, the first-ever full length theatrical LEGO movie, follows Emmet, an ordinary, rules-following, perfectly average LEGO minifigure who is mistakenly identified as the most extraordinary person and the key to saving the world. He is drafted into a fellowship of strangers on an epic quest to stop an evil tyrant, a journey for which Emmet is hopelessly and hilariously underprepared.

Chris Pratt (“Moneyball”) stars as Emmet. Oscar® winner Morgan Freeman (“Million Dollar Baby”) and Elizabeth Banks (“The Hunger Games,” Emmy nominee for “30 Rock”), will star as two of Emmet’s fellow travelers: Vitruvius, an old mystic; and tough-as-nails Lucy, who mistakes Emmet for the savior of the world and guides him on his quest. She also calls upon the mysterious Batman, a LEGO® minifigure voiced by Will Arnett (Emmy nominee, “30 Rock”), with whom she shares a history.

The 3D computer animated adventure will open nationwide on February 28, 2014.

Phil Lord & Christopher Miller (“21 Jump Street,” Golden Globe nominee “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs”) are directing from their original screenplay, story by Dan Hageman & Kevin Hageman and Phil Lord & Christopher Miller, based on LEGO construction toys. The film will incorporate some of the most popular LEGO figures while introducing several new characters, inviting fans who have enjoyed the brand’s innovative toys and hugely popular video games for generations to experience their visually unique LEGO world as never seen before.

The film will be produced by Dan Lin (“Sherlock Holmes,” “Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows”) and Roy Lee (“The Departed,” “How to Train Your Dragon”). It will be distributed in the Philippines by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

Leading the talented voice cast of Focus Features' new 3D animated comedy “ParaNorman” are Kodi Smit-McPhee (“Let Me In”), Casey Affleck (“Ocean's Thirteen”) and Christopher Mintz-Plasse (“Superbad”). The acclaimed family film will be shown exclusively at Ayala Malls Cinemas starting September 5.

The voice of the film’s 11-year-old hero, Norman Babcock, is provided by Kodi Smit-McPhee, a young Australian actor who in a brief few years has made a big name for himself. While Norman talks to ghosts in order to rid his town of zombies and stop a witch's curse, the film is really a comedy, which was perfect for Smit-McPhee, whose work in recent years has been in fairly dark films. As he told Entertainment Weekly, “my favorite genre is comedy…It’s pretty ironic and funny that I always get these kind of dramatic…movies.”

Even as “ParaNorman's” scary premise is actually just scary fun, Smit-McPhee’s more dramatic roles helped convince the filmmakers that he was the right actor for the job. Director Sam Fell acknowledged that it was “difficult to find someone young who has range and sensitivity. But we’d seen Kodi Smit-McPhee’s astonishing performance in `The Road,' and we felt that he could carry this movie so that audiences would invest in this boy’s journey.”

Indeed the experience of one young man’s journey into adulthood proved a little too real for Smit-McPhee. By the end of his recording sessions, he found himself moving, at least in one way, towards becoming a man. As his voice began to change, he recounts, “I think by the last session, we had recorded a little bit, and they were like, ‘Alright, I think that’s it. We just squeezed the last bit out of you.’ My Norman voice is gone and stuck with that movie.”

Oscar-nominee Casey Affleck is not an actor whose emotionally intense characters would make one immediately think of putting him in a kids’ film. But for the 36-year-old actor, making “ParaNorman” was a labor of love on many levels. Affleck voices the character of Mitch, the amiable high school jock who inadvertently becomes part of the gang out to save the town of Blithe Hollow from a witch’s curse.

Affleck jokes, “I had never done an animated movie before. Usually, when people hear my voice, they fire me; so, this was a first!” But, in the end, he found the experience “liberating, especially not having to worry about what I looked like.” Even better, Affleck ended up confiding that making an animated movie was “a lot of fun. Everyone put me at ease. It was helpful to be able to work with Anna [Kendrick, Norman’s sister Courtney] and other actors in the same room at the same time. I concentrated on getting Mitch’s voice right, and having it come together with what I was hearing from the others.”

Affleck projected perfectly the unaffected, not-always-bright but quite sweet character of Mitch. For Affleck, working on this film was more than an opportunity to brush up on his voice work: “I go to a lot of movies with my kids, and I wanted to be part of `ParaNorman' because this movie is one that both kids and grown-ups will like, which is rare.”

Christopher Mintz-Plasse, the young comic actor who is arguably best known for playing Fogell (aka “McLovin”) in the high school comedy “Superbad,” is showing a different side of himself in “ParaNorman.” While Fogell was the ultimate nerd, a character so geeky and uncool that he was perfect fodder for bullies, in “ParaNorman,” Mintz-Plasse takes the role of Alvin, the hefty bully who picks on Norman.

For Mintz-Plasse, it was a part that he relished as it allowed him to get some karmic payback for his own awkward teenage years, explaining that he himself was “picked on in school. Doing this role, I thought of the kids I knew.” Director Sam Fell believed Mintz-Plasse was the ideal choice for Alvin exactly because the actor brought an unexpected quality to the character, explaining that “casting Chris was unusual in that people think of him for nerdish roles. But having him placed a more vulnerable comic voice into this school bully, showing how Alvin thinks of himself as a tough guy yet is still a scared kid.”

Known as the country's biggest magazine, MEGA introduces you to a new world of fashion: a world without boundaries featuring KC Concepcion, who now plays by her own rules, on the cover.

This issue, which is considered their "Biggest Issue" yet, also features "Baroque Beauty," "Shopping Bucket List," "Blushing Beauty," plus Avel Bacudio's collection on a glacier in Iceland, and many more!

MEGA Magazine September 2012 issue is now available in all magazine stands and selected bookstores and supermarkets nationwide.

Actress Shaina Magdayao recently shared that she is happy and contended with her life right now with all the blessings that she has, including the unprecedented ratings success in the afternoon block of her drama series “Kung Ako’y Iiwan Mo” which she co-stars with Jake Cuenca, Ron Morales, and Bangs Garcia.

“I’m really happy and thankful with all the blessings that come my way. Our show is doing so well and at the same time I’m glad that a lot of people appreciate my craft,” she said.

According to Shaina, she has become more positive with life with their show’s continues success and the undying support of her friends and family. “I learned a lot about life. I treasure everything about it. And I’m looking forward to becoming wiser and more experienced,” she explained.

When asked if her new look in “Kung Ako’y Iiwan Mo” had something to do with her controversial break-up with ex-boyfriend John Lloyd Cruz, Shaina immediately cleared the issue. She said, “No. It just so happened that my role in the teleserye needed a makeover.”

What bigger changes and challenges will Shaina’s role, Sarah undergo especially now that another woman, aside from Mia (Bangs) is running after Paul (Jake)? Will Paul’s boss Sandra (Dianne Medina) become Sarah’s new friend or foe?

Around 18 thousand fans recently filled the Trinoma Mall Mindanao open parking lot for the grand fans day of “Walang Hanggan” which was graced by the phenomenal TV drama’s lead stars Coco Martin and Julia Montes.

“We are very thankful to everyone who is supporting ‘Walang Hanggan.’ We hope that they will support us until the end because we still have a lot of surprises instored for them,” said Coco.

According to Julia, the fans day was an overwhelming experience for her. “I can’t fully explain how happy I was to see the fans because I know they made time and exerted effort just to see us in person. Coco and I are really happy,” she said.

Meanwhile, like the thousands of fans that Coco and Julia were able to meet and greet, avid TV viewers of “Walang Hanggan” are set to indulge on the non-stop heated confrontations that will transpire among the well-loved characters of the phenomenal TV drama. Will Katerina’s (Julia) pregnancy help Nathan (Paulo Avelino) to win back his wife? What will happen to Katerina once Daniel (Coco) is taken away from her?

Don’t miss the explosive scenes and revelations in the phenomenal TV drama “Walang Hanggan,” weeknights, after “Princess and I” on ABS-CBN’s Primetime Bida.

Kapatid star Aga Muhlach charmed his way into the hearts of 10,000 attendees at the recently concluded “Philippine Fiesta” celebrations held in Secaucus, New Jersey last August 18-19.

TV5 International sponsored this two-day event, known to many as the biggest annual gathering of Filipinos in the East Coast. Jessa Zaragoza, Rachel Alejandro, and K Brosas joined the Pinoy Explorer host in entertaining the supportive and enthusiastic crowd.

Now on its fourth season, Batibot welcomes Koko Kwik Kwak and his good friends Pawi, Tikky, Kara, Rema, Lila, Tami and Ambak and Dakon Palaka to the show’s fun ensemble. They will not only add yet another element of enjoyment for children watching the program as the new characters will also teach families how to help in preserving endangered animals and taking care of the environment. Some of the new characters are based on newly-discovered animal species in various parts of the country.

Executive producer and educator Feny Delos Angeles-Bautista, explained that the new season of Batibot has something for every child and child-at-heart. “The new characters represent viewers of all ages as we acknowledge the developmental and individual differences that make them special,” she said. Batibot’s episodes also complement the Department of Education’s new national curriculum for kindergarten students and the DSWD’s early childhood program, as well as locally and globally acknowledged quality early childhood education programs. This means that children benefit from this constructive combination of learning experiences from home, school and viewing BATIBOT which provides a strong foundation for their entry and transition into school and onwards.

Aside from introducing Koko’s friends new and exciting characters, this new season will also feature themes like keeping safe at home, in the community and a special episode on water safety. One of the leading causes of children’s injuries and death in the country are accidents. It will help if children are taught early about safety habits.

Catch Batibot Season 4 every Saturday, with five-minute Batibot shorts Mondays-Fridays at 8:30-9:00 a.m. on TV5.

With The Weinstein Company’s romantic drama “W.E.,” Madonna, one of the world's most famous women, tries to clean up the stained image of another famous American, Wallis Simpson - "that woman" for whom King Edward VIII gave up his throne in 1936, causing a crisis unprecedented in British history.

Simpson has been dead for nearly 26 years; her ex-king husband, the Duke of Windsor, has been gone for nearly 40. Neither had a good end but their story lives on as one of the most reproduced of royal sagas on stage and screen for most of the 20th century.

Now, 75 years after the abdication crisis, Madonna's movie, “W.E.” helps shift the image of Simpson from the mannish-but-chic party crasher at the palace to a more ambivalent figure, by turns despised, traduced, envied and pitied even by her critics.

“W.E.” starts in the year 1998, when Manhattan is abuzz with anticipation about the upcoming auction of the estate of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor. But the auction is far more than a diversion for Wally Winthrop (Abbie Cornish), a transplanted Southerner trapped in an unhappy and abusive marriage. Transfixed by the exquisite artifacts of the Windsors' lives, Wally becomes obsessed with the love story of Wallis Simpson (Andrea Riseborough), the chic, charismatic American who captured the heart of King Edward VIII (James D'Arcy). As she learns more about the sacrifices Wallis made in choosing to be with Edward, Wally finds the courage to follow her own heart and create her own happiness.

Writer and director Madonna had been developing the idea for “W.E.” for many years. She had a longstanding fascination with the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, yet she was not interested in making a conventional biopic. She sought instead to capture the essence of their romance and convey her interpretation of one of the greatest love stories of the 20th Century. She says, "Truth is subjective. Everything I have to say about the Duke and Duchess is the conclusion I came to after all my research. I wanted to present a more well-rounded portrayal of Wallis than was commonly known. I created the Wally character because the movie needed a point of view. Wally goes on a journey thinking this is the greatest love story only to realize that it wasn't such a perfect love and that both of them made huge sacrifices. Strangely enough, Wallis seemed to make more of a sacrifice than Edward did."

Madonna comments, “I couldn’t get my mind off the fact that a man gave up the throne for a woman. From my perspective, men since the beginning of time have fought to get on the throne. Men are power-seeking animals, so why would this man run away from power? Why would he give it up? What drove him to do that? If it was for a woman and it was for love, what did this woman have that would inspire him to make such a great sacrifice? I wanted to know more about her.”

Fascinated by this woman and this powerful love story, Madonna spent two years writing her script, and although “W.E.” is, in part, a fictionalized story, she also spent this time heavily researching the project. She devoured every book published on Wallis and Edward, watched every documentary and broadcast available and interviewed countless people who knew Wallis and Edward.

During her research, two elements became particularly important. Wallis and Edward wrote to each other constantly throughout their relationship, sometimes even when staying in the same house. These letters are used throughout the film and even provide the title “W.E.” due to the way they would sign off their letters with their initials. “I found the letters very insightful because I think people reveal a lot about themselves in a letter. Things you don’t get from a book – the way they speak to each other, the nicknames they gave each other,” concludes Madonna.

As always, the central figure in the gritty and gripping fifth “Resident Evil” movie “Resident Evil: Retribution” is Alice, played once again with implacable ferocity by Milla Jovovich.

“Milla is a huge factor in the success of the films,” says producer Jeremy Bolt. “One of the things that makes Resident Evil interesting is that we present a woman as a convincing action hero. She’s tough as hell. She’s a leader; she’s determined. If anybody’s going to beat the evil corporation Umbrella, it’s Alice.”

Alice has evolved with each chapter of the ongoing saga, transforming from naïve amnesiac to superhumanly gifted warrior and, now, a battered foot soldier in the ongoing war against the ultimate evil. After playing the character for a decade, Jovovich has come to know her more intimately and care more deeply about her action-hero alter ego.

“Doing this series has been such an adventure,” the actress says. “It’s always amazing to come back to this incredible, fantastical, magical world and to Alice. I know her so well now. I know how she will react, what she will and won’t do. She’s become a huge part of my life, and as I grow, she grows. I’m always excited to see where she’s going next.”

“Milla as Alice is a force to be reckoned with,” says producer Don Carmody. “She is not only beautiful, she’s also genuine and funny. People think of her as ‘Milla Jovovich, the Russian supermodel,’ but she’s very down-to-earth, very accomplished and very dedicated. And nobody knows Alice better than she does.”

Alice was stripped of her superpowers in “Resident Evil: Afterlife,” a move that Jovovich believes was critical to the development of the character. “We’ve moved closer to the original Alice, who was a little more vulnerable,” she says. “When she’s in danger, the audience can be scared for her because she can’t just make everything explode. She’s still a badass, just not a superhero badass.”

As Alice becomes acclimated to being human again, she has to learn to trust and depend on those around her, adds Jovovich. “Without her superpowers, she doesn’t feel as isolated. She feels more in touch with other people, and she has to be much more of a team player. And she has been able to acquire bit of a sense of humor about it all. If all you do is go around killing zombies and being chased by Umbrella storm troopers, you may as well take it with a wink and a smile.”

When director Paul W.S. Anderson talks about the actress, who is also his wife, it’s clear she is his muse for the film series. “Over the last ten years, as this character has developed, we’ve had the opportunity to see her grow as Milla has,” he says. “Alice was a blank slate in the first film because she had memory loss and knew nothing about herself. She has slowly gathered around her this family made up of other survivors of the apocalypse.

“This is a big step for her,” he adds. “You see a lot of conflict come out of that because she is a hardened warrior who has sacrificed for the battle she’s chosen to fight. She has given up family, friends and a future. Now, she is a slightly more complex character.”

Opening across the Philippines on September 12, “Resident Evil: Retribution” is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Visit http://www.columbiapictures.com.ph/ to see the latest trailers, get free downloads and play free movie games.

In an interview after his contract signing with GMA-7, new kapuso Rafael Rosell shared how excited he is to be working with Kapuso stars, most especially Marian Rivera who will be his leading lady in the Philippine remake of the Korean series “Temptation of Wife.”

“Kung pwede lang akong tumambling ngayon gagawin ko e (laughs). Ganun ako ka-excited. It’s a new journey, new people to work with, new atmosphere. Para sa akin change is good; it will help you develop more as a person not just as an actor. Mas mag-eexpand yung experience ko dito,” said the model-actor.

He candidly shared his initial impression of Marian. “To be honest, I’ve heard a lot of rumors about her – both positive and negative – pero sa akin kasi until makausap ko talaga yung tao hindi ako naniniwala. Pero nung nakasama ko siya doon ko nakita that she’s a very nice person, she’s nothing like what people are saying. Para sa akin, first-hand experience is what matters,” he said.

Rafael did not expect that upon his transfer to GMA-7, he will immediately venture into primetime with GMA’s Primetime Queen.

Before working on “Temptation of Wife,” Rafael Rosell taped two episodes of Chef Boy Logro’s “Kusina Master” and he will also appear in the first week of the upcoming primetime fantasy series, “Aso ni San Roque.”

Balls airs the most watched tennis event in the world, the 2012 US Open, that begun last August 27 and will run until September 10. The final Grand Slam of the year is shown on Balls live via satellite from Flushing Meadows, New York.

Expect hard hitting action as the big guns in the world of tennis bring their best on the hardcourts of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York. Will Novak Djokovic and Sam Stosur defend their US Open titles against aggressive opponents?

Catch breath-taking tennis in the fourth and final Grand Slam of the season, the 2012 US Open live on Balls everyday at 11:00 p.m. until September 10. The Women’s Finals will be held on September 9 at 7:00 a.m. while the Men’s Finals on September 10 at 12:00 a.m, weather permitting.

Don’t miss the opportunity to see the US Open live; always tune in to Balls and be updated with the biggest happenings in the world of sports. Balls channel is available on SkyCable Platinum, SkyCable Gold, SkyCable Silver and over 200 quality cable operators nationwide. For more updates, visit www.ballschannel.tv, like our official fan page on Facebook, www.facebook.com/BallsChannel and follow us and @ballschannel on twitter.

Victoria's Secret Stores Inc. and their parent company, Limited Brands Inc., are facing $15-million lawsuit from Zephyrs due to alleged consumer fraud and false advertising by selling knockoffs to their own customers.

According to a report by WWD, Zephyrs, a Company that supplies hosiery to the lingerie giant, has long been ceased tie with Victoria's Secret but the latter is still using their product pictures to sell their hosiery.

The breach of contract suit indicates unfair competition, false advertising and consumer fraud. They also want Victoria's SecretS to fix the advertising of their product and recall the products that reportedly have cheaper lace trims, irregular borders, missing heel reinforcements and less durable construction in their Lace Top Fish Net Stockings, Fish Net Thigh-Highs With Backseam and a Signature Stripe Thigh-High With Bows.Continue reading HERE.

After her "smurf" inspired hair color, Katy Perry's hair color evolution continues as she was photographed by Cuneyt Akeroglu wearing a bright orange-colored hair for the September 2012 cover of L’Officiel Paris.

During her last Sunday's live interview with Toni Gonzaga on 'The Buzz', Kahit Puso'y Masugatan lead star Iza Calzado proudly talked about Ben Wintle, her British boyfriend who is also the co-founder of matchmaking website TrustCircle, and how he surprised her during her 30th birthday dinner party.

"There was… it wasn’t a surprise because he asked who I wanted to be there, so I gave him a short list. And then, I said, ‘Just surprise me. I don’t want to know where it is, where it will happen.’

Jerome Ponce, also known as Luke Lim in the hit daytime soap “Be Careful with My Heart,” is a rising Kapamilya heartthrob.

Jerome Ponce, born June 4, 1995, is an SK chairman in Brgy. 628 Zone 63 in Sta. Mesa, Manila, where he lives. He describes himself as an Actor, public servant, sports lover and a loving kuya.

This young leader actually started his showbiz career as a theater actor last year after he graduated from Malayan High School of Science in Pandacan, Manila. He bagged a minor role in the successful musical “Cory ng Edsa” which ran for about a month.

Jerome is now well known for his role in the daytime Kapamilya soap “Be Careful with My Heart” as Luke Lim. He plays the eldest son of Richard Lim in the series played by Richard Yap (aka Papa Chen) which premiered on ABS-CBN last July 9, 2012.

As a proof that this young heartthrob has arrived, he recently became a trending topic on the micro-blogging site Twitter for two days as his soap continues to garner nationwide TV ratings higher than some primetime programs are getting.

With the success of his TV program, the future is bright for Jerome as we will see more of him in the future.

"Bwakaw," the most awarded Cinemalaya 2012 movie entry will be released through Star Cinema starting September 5 in more than 100 theaters nationwide.

"Bwakaw" is a drama-comedy about growing old, and everyone’s fear of growing old alone.

Rene (Eddie Garcia) is a gay man who came out of the closet at age 70. Ailing in his twilight years, he thinks it is now too late for love, even companionship, and that all there is to look forward to is death.

He has made a will, bequeathing his few possessions to his even fewer friends. Everything is packed and labeled, ready for distribution.

Nowadays the only companion Rene has is Bwakaw, a stray dog that hangs around his house and follows him wherever he goes. Rene feeds him, but refuses to show him affection.

As Rene waits for the day of his death, he gets the surprise of his life when it is Bwakaw who suddenly falls ill. In his struggle to get Bwakaw cured, Rene finds comfort in the most unlikely person: Sol (Rez Cortez), a tricycle driver who helps him bring Bwakaw to the vet and befriends him.

Buoyed by Sol’s friendship, Rene starts living and discovering simple joys. The 75-year-old man finally learns to live life without fear because of man’s best friend.

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